News

Chicago – My portrait of Liza Minnelli is one of my favorites not just for what appears in frame, but equally for the story of what happened after the shutter was clicked. This was back in 1992, when my focus was on Rock and Roll photojournalism, and I had been granted access to Liza through Tower Records in Chicago. She was promoting her “Live From Radio City Music Hall” release.

I somehow had imagined working with Liza Minnelli would be a major pain in the ass and that the Oscar winning actress would be nothing short of a headache-inducing pampered Diva. I couldn’t have been more mistaken. She greeted me with a warm handshake and her only request was that I photograph her either directly straight on or from her better left side. I assured her she wasn’t in possession of a bad side.

Snow Dancing: Oscar Winner Liza Minnelli in Chicago,...

Cris Abrego was named as boss of MasterChef and Big Brother producer Banijay in the U.S. and Latin six months into the Covid-19 pandemic.

Abrego oversees a group of production companies that produced the aforementioned Fox food format and long-running CBS series during the pandemic as well as a reboot of Wipeout for TBS and multiple reality series including the final season of Keeping Up With The Kardashians and hit Bravo format Below Deck.

He told Deadline that the last twelve months have shown that non-scripted – a producer’s medium – is full of a group of professional problem solvers.

“For me, once I took this role, I started to realize that [this business] ran on IP, ideas and makers. As much as this business has evolved, and I think Covid accelerated where this business was headed already, with the streamers and everything else that has impacted our business, it’s still...

Olly Alexander’s role in the HBO Max series It’s a Sin introduced the British pop star to a whole new audience, many of whom may not be as familiar with his musical output. Now his band, Years & Years, have released a new song, “Starstruck,” with a video that features Alexander (with bright red hair) frolicking with himself while dressed in cloud pajamas.

“Like most of us, I’ve spent the past year at home, and I wanted to create something super positive and fun for people (and myself) to bop along to…...

In today’s Global Bulletin, Time’s Up U.K. publishes safety guidelines for auditions, reporting and working with intimacy; Discovery U.K. posts its 10th consecutive record Q1, and Rai and Amazon team on the winning bid for World Cup 2022 rights in Italy.

Guidelines

Time’s Up U.K. has published the “Time’s Up Guide to Working in Entertainment,” a collection of three guides constructed as a reference material for arts and entertainment workers to stay informed of their rights, industry-specific norms and practical ways they can help to ensure their safety in the workplace. All three guides are available, free to download at the Time’s Up U.K. website.

The Time’S Up UK Guide to Working in Entertainment

Developed in collaboration with Time’s Up in the U.S., Time’s Up U.K. also reached out to key British industry organizations including BAFTA, Bectu, BFI,...

After the coronavirus pandemic caused the cancellation of popular dating reality show “Love Island” last summer, the show is confirmed to return to U.K. broadcaster ITV for this summer season. The last season of “Love Island” that aired was a winter version filmed in South Africa.

ITV also revealed several scripted series that are in production. “The Thief, His Wife and The Canoe,” a four-part crime drama from “Unforgotten” writer Chris Lang, about how John Darwin faked his own death to claim his life insurance, is being produced by All3Media’s Story Films.

“The Ipcress File,” a six-part adaptation of Len Deighton’s renowned book starring Joe Cole as iconic spy Harry Palmer, Lucy Boynton and Tom Hollander is adapted for ITV by Oscar-nominated writer John Hodge and directed by Emmy award-winner James Watkins.

In “Stephen,” the three-part sequel to the single film “The Murder of Stephen Lawrence,” the cast includes Sharlene Whyte,...

Baby Done is confronting, comedic production that looks into the nuances of childbirth, through the prism of adventurer Zoe, played here by the wonderful Rose Matafeo, alongside Matthew Lewis. To mark the film’s release, we had the pleasure of speaking to the Kiwi actress, as we discuss the positives to having this refreshingly honest take on pregnancy, but also the frustrations that this even needs to be labelled refreshing at all.

We also talk about our generation, and how we over-think major decisions, while we also discuss the flowing talent to come out of New Zealand, and what it is about their style of comedy that is just so appealing.

Watch the full interview with Rose here:

Synopsis

Wannabe-adventurer Zoe freaks out when she falls pregnant to her long-term boyfriend Tim. As Tim embraces the prospect of fatherhood, Zoe attempts to rush through her dreams.

Rose Matafeo stars in...

The Notebook Primer introduces readers to some of the most important figures, films, genres, and movements in film history.Golden Eighties From a broad angle view, it seems as though all movies made in the 1980s could be classified as either action or musical. The neon glitz of the decade easily melds with the flamboyance of musicals, and it was a time when budgets soared, so lavish song-and-dance set pieces fit in nicely with the decadence. But 80s musicals also changed things up in the genre—sometimes focusing more on choreography, other times the songs. The burgeoning cult status of The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) also had producers scrambling for the ineffable weirdness that captured the imagination of an audience so intensely that they wanted to spend every weekend watching and mimicking what so delighted them on screen This resulted in odd choices that inevitably flopped, and took decades to gain a devoted following,...

From VancouverFilm.Net, here is the Vancouver Film Production Update for November 2020, with local productions responding individually, based on best practices for businesses and employers from the 'BC Centre for Disease Control', to stop the spread of Covid-19:

Feature

Bonfire

Local Production Company: No Clocks Productions Ltd.

Producer: Jim Whitaker, Joe Roth

Director: David Lowery

Change Of Pace

Local Production Company: Change Of Pace Film, Inc.

Producer: Graham Fraser

Director: Stephen Campanelli

Ellington

Local Production Company: Swan Song BC Productions Inc.

Director: Ben Cleary

Hello, Goodbye And Everything In Between

Local Production Company: Hello Goodbye Productions Inc.

Producer: Brian Robbins, Matt Kaplan, Kelsey Jackson

Director: Michael Lewen

Love Hard

Local Production Company: Love Hard Films Canada, Inc.

Producer: McG, Mary Viola

Director: Hernan Jimenez Garcia

Solitary

Local Production Company: Windor Productions BC Inc.

Producer: Aaron Gilbert, Nate Parker, Christina Lee Storm, David Oyelowo, Kevin Turen

Director: Nate Parker

Untitled...

Avalon, the talent management and production company behind series including Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, is expanding. The company has acquired a majority stake in The Agency, which represents writers and directors including Gentleman Jack creator Sally Wainwright and A Very English Scandal writer Russell T Davies.

The Agency will continue to operate under the leadership and management of its partners. It was founded in 1995 and also reps theatire and children’s authors as well as the dramatic rights for authors including Ian McEwan, Hilary Mantel, Zadie Smith and William Boyd.

Other clients including Doctor Foster creator Mike Bartlett, World On Fire’s Peter Bowker, Poldark’s Debbie Horsfield, Discovery of Witches’ Kate Brooke, The Last Kingdom’s Stephen Butchard, The Fall’s Allan Cubitt, Shameless creator Paul Abbott and House of Cards creator Andrew Davies.

The Agency was advised by Tom Manwaring of Helion Partners and Martin Wright of Charles Russell Speechlys Llp.

Exclusive: Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman-led Brownstone Productions has tapped writer/director Karen Maine to direct Miss Conception, a romantic comedy set up at Screen Gems. Maine, who made her feature directorial debut with indie comedy Yes, God, Yes, is directing the pic from a script re-written by Lauryn Kahn based on a spec from Savion Einstein.

Plot details are being kept under wraps.

Banks, Handelman, and Alison Small will serve as executive producers with Scott Strauss and Michael Bitar overseeing for Screen Gems. No word on when production will commence but casting will soon be underway.

Maine’s Yes, God, Yes premiered at last year’s SXSW and was picked up for distribution by Vertical Entertainment. Stranger Things‘ Natalia Dyers stars Alice, a Catholic teenager in the early 2000s who discovers masturbating and struggles to suppress her new urges in the face of eternal damnation. Maine also recently directed the BBC pilot Starstruck,...

While California wildfires are giving British Columbia's Vancouver some of the worst air pollution in the world, from VancouverFilm.Net, here is the Vancouver Film Production Update for September 2020, including "Batwoman", "Day Of The Dead", "Motherland: Fort Salem" and a whole lot more, all previously suspended due to the 'Covid-19' virus pandemic:

Feature

Bonfire

Local Production Company: No Clocks Productions Ltd.

Producer: Jim Whitaker, Joe Roth

Director: David Lowery

3/8/2021 - 6/30/2021

Change Of Pace

Local Production Company: Change Of Pace Film, Inc.

Producer: Graham Fraser

Director: Stephen Campanelli

9/28/2020 - 10/16/2020

Ellington

Local Production Company: Swan Song BC Productions Inc.

Director: Ben Cleary

12/1/2020 - 3/17/2021

Hello, Goodbye And Everything In Between

Local Production Company: Hello Goodbye Productions Inc.

Producer: Brian Robbins, Matt Kaplan, Kelsey Jackson

Director: Michael Lewen

10/5/2020 - 11/9/2020

Love Hard

Local Production Company: Love Hard Films Canada, Inc.

Producer: McG, Mary Viola

Director: Hernan Jimenez Garcia

10/5/2020 - 11/24/2020

Solitary

Local Production Company: Windor Productions BC Inc.

With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options—not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves–each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit platforms. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.

An American Pickle (Brandon Trost)

Seth Rogen plays dual roles in his latest comedy, American Pickle follows Seth Rogen both as Herschel Greenbaum, an immigrant who falls in a vat of pickled is brined for 100 years, and his great-grandson Ben Greenbaum, who is a computer coder and lives a very different life, to say the least. While there are certainly humorous sequences (a Brooklyn hipster couple’s first impressions of Greenbaum’s pickle stand comes foremost to mind), Rogen is far more interested in the definitions of family and loyalty, themes that are not explored with a great deal of emotional impact, but do add some heart to what...

If you’re looking to dive into the best of independent and foreign filmmaking, The Criterion Channel has announced their August 2020 lineup. The impressive slate includes retrospectives dedicated to Mia Hansen-Løve, Bill Gunn, Stephen Cone, Terry Gilliam, Wim Wenders, Alain Delon, Bill Plympton, Les Blank, and more.

In terms of new releases, they also have Kleber Mendonça Filho and Juliano Dornelles’ Bacurau, the fascinating documentary John McEnroe: In the Realm of Perfection, the Kenyan LGBTQ drama Rafiki, and more. There’s also a series on Australian New Wave with films by Gillian Armstrong, Bruce Beresford, David Gulpilil, and Peter Weir, as well as one on bad vacations with Joanna Hogg’s Unrelated, Ben Wheatley’s Sightseers, and more.

See the lineup below and explore more on their platform. One can also see our weekly streaming picks here.

25 Ways to Quit Smoking, Bill Plympton, 1989

The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T, Roy Rowland,...

HBO Max is expanding its slate of international series.

The WarnerMedia platform has acquired the U.S. streaming rights to four shows, namely Italy’s critically-acclaimed crimes series “Gomorrah,” Spanish drama “Veneno,” about a transgender TV personality, and two U.K. unscripted offerings in “Singletown” and “The Great Pottery Throw Down.”

Seasons three and four of “Gomorrah,” as well as its feature spinoff “The Immortal,” will be available to U.S. audiences for the first time as part of the deal.

The series join a growing list of international shows available on the streamer. Through its previously-announced deal with BBC Studios, HBO Max owns the exclusive U.S. streaming rights to the likes of “Doctor Who,” Ricky Gervais’ original “The Office,” and Idris Elba’s “Luther.”

“We are building strong collaborations as we source distinctive fare from top international partners for our U.S. viewers, also with an eye to...

HBO Mas has five more international series to its roster, including “The Great Pottery Throw Down” from the producers of “The Great British Bake Off.”

HBO Max will get the first three seasons and the upcoming fourth season of the competition series, which air on the BBC and Channel 4 in the U.K.

Additionally, HBO Max will be home to all seasons of the Italian crime series “Gomorrah,” based on Roberto Saviano’s bestselling book that examines the account of the decline of Naples under the rule of the Camorra, including its prequel film, “The Immortal”; “Veneno,” a Spanish language co-production between Atresmedia Studios, Suma Latina and HBO Max about Cristina Ortiz, Spain’s most famous trans TV personality; and Season One of unscripted relationship series “Singletown,” which sees five couples press pause on their partnerships and embark on an extraordinary adventure back to the single life.

Also Read:...

Disney Channel Original Movies are well known for their solid takes on classic stories and for breaking the mold for teenage-specific tales. While movies like the High School Musical and Descendants are prime examples of popular DCOMs, some movies don’t receive enough credit.

Related: The 5 Best (& 5 Worst) Disney Channel Original Movies

StarStruck follows superstar Christopher Wilde (Sterling Knight) and Midwesterner Jessica Olson (Danielle Campbell) as they fall in love in Los Angeles while avoiding the paparazzi. It is a heartwarming movie with a grand soundtrack and some of the best jokes put to film that has been overlooked in favor of franchise-able DCOMs, though it does have some faults of its own.

Exclusive: Jessica Seinfeld, author of four New York Times-bestselling cook books, has teamed up with Breeders and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver producer Avalon to develop an animated kids TV series.

Seinfeld, wife of comedian Jerry Seinfeld and founder of kids charity Good+ Foundation, will exec produce the series, which is written and created by Sean Gill and Jana Petrosini.

More from Deadline'Breeders': How The FX & Sky Series Became The Poster Child For Pandemic Comedy Television'Last Week Tonight With John Oliver' Producer Avalon Television Hires Lionsgate TV COO Laura Kennedy As Ceohbo Max & BBC Three Team On Rose Matafeo's Millennial Comedy 'Starstruck' From 'Catastrophe' Producer Avalon Television

Downtown Sprouts follows six-year-old June Sprout’s life on her family’s rooftop farm.

The farm is smack dab in the middle of downtown New York City and June can talk to all the farm’s offbeat animals.

In the words of “Sweeney Todd” pie baker Mrs. Lovett, “Times is hard.” As everyone adjusts to the new reality of working remotely, comedians and filmmakers who rely on freelance work are being hit hard. Film and TV productions are shutting down faster than we can update our exhaustive running list. Comedians are losing out on precious weekly gigs. Theater practitioners are worried the nonprofit theater world may not bounce back. An already tenuous lifestyle just became a whole lot harder.

And yet, creatives gotta create. Lock a comedian or filmmaker in their apartment for seven days straight and they are bound to come up with some pretty entertaining — if more than a little bizarre — content. With everyone else stuck at home craving human connection and distractions, they have a more willing audience than ever before. In an effort to find a silver lining, IndieWire is keeping tabs on the...

HBO Max is set to bring the funny as the forthcoming streaming service has greenlighted four new one-hour comedy specials with The Last O.G. star Tracy Morgan, Search Party‘s John Early, as well as up-and-coming stand-ups, Rose Matafeo and Ahir Shah.

“We are incredibly proud to showcase this expansive range of comedic talent on HBO Max,” said Suzanna Makkos, executive vice president of original programming, comedy and animation, HBO Max. “From legends to newcomers, this impressive slate of specials will complement the library of premium stand-up specials that HBO has become known for.”

Multi-Emmy nominee Morgan returned to television in 2018 with the The Last O.G. on TBS. His most recent special, Staying Alive debuted on Netflix and he recently announced his 2020 comedy tour, No Disrespect. He will executive produce this special for HBO Max.

In addition to his role on TBS series Search Party, Early had sold out runs of his live show,...

HBO Max is bolstering its comedy offering.

The forthcoming streamer, which launches in May 2020, has ordered four new stand-up comedy specials from Tracy Morgan, John Early, Rose Matafeo, and Ahir Shah.

“We are incredibly proud to showcase this expansive range of comedic talent on HBO Max,” said Suzanna Makkos, executive vice president of original programming, comedy and animation at HBO Max. “From legends to newcomers, this impressive slate of specials will complement the library of premium stand-up specials that HBO has become known for.”

Morgan’s special represents an extension of his relationship with WarnerMedia, given that he currently stars in “The Last O.G.” on TBS, which is moving into its third season in 2020. He recently announced a comedy tour next year titled “No Disrespect,” and will executive produce this special for HBO Max.

Early also has a prior relationship with WarnerMedia, starring as Elliot in the TBS series “Search Party.

Exclusive: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver producer Avalon Television has hired Lionsgate Television Group COO Laura Kennedy as Global CEO.

Kennedy will also become a member of the Board of Directors and her appointment sees Avalon founders Jon Thoday and Richard Allen-Turner become Co-Executive Chairmen of the company.

Having started at Avalon as a talent manager, Kennedy has been with Orange Is The New Black producer Lionsgate for over ten years in roles including Evp of Television Operations & Corporate Development and COO. She most recently headed up operations, strategy and planning for the television division and oversaw M&a activity, reporting to Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs.

She has been instrumental in a broad range of transactions including the acquisitions of syndication business Debmar-Mercury, the television channel Pop, a majority stake in leading reality producer Pilgrim Media and the recent investments in U.K. production companies Primal Media and Potboiler Television.

Unlike many of his “Game of Thrones” compatriots, actor Richard Madden had a few extra years to get a headstart on his post-‘Thrones’ career. And he’s used that time to great effect, with roles in projects like “Cinderella,” “Bodyguard,” “Rocketman,” and the upcoming “1917.” However, the film that most people have their sights set on in Madden’s future is Marvel’s “Eternals,” which has one of the best casts to ever appear in a non-‘Avengers’ superhero film.

Continue reading Richard Madden Admits Being “Starstruck” By ‘Eternals’ Cast & Teases Big Names Yet To Be Announced at The Playlist.

HBO Max and BBC Three are partnering on a six-part comedy series “Starstruck” from 2018 Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Rose Matafeo.

The series will follow 20-something Rose (Matafeo), a millennial in London, juggling two dead-end jobs and navigating the awkward morning-after when she discovers the complications of accidentally sleeping with a movie star.

“Starstruck” will air on BBC Three in the U.K. and stream in the U.S. on HBO Max, WarnerMedia’s upcoming service that launches next spring. Executive Producers are Matafeo, Jon Thoday, Richard Allen-Turner and Rob Aslett.

Also Read: 2019 Emmy Contenders, From Sophie Turner to Tony Hale to Cicely Tyson (Exclusive Photos)

“The minute we were introduced to Rose and Starstruck, we knew we had something special,” Sarah Aubrey, head of original content, HBO Max, said. “She is exactly the type of original, culture-forward creator we are excited to be working with at HBO Max and we...

HBO Max and BBC Three have partnered on a six-part comedy created by, written by and starring New Zealand-born comedian Rose Matafeo.

They have ordered Starstruck from the 2018 Edinburgh Comedy Award winner, who is based in London and has appeared on BBC’s Have I Got News For You, W1A and Channel 4’s The Great British Bake Off spin-off Extra Slice. She is also the lead writer and star of New Zealand sketch show Funny Girls.

The scripted comedy, which is produced by Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and Catastrophe producer Avalon Television, follows twenty-something Rose (Rose Matafeo), a millennial in London, juggling two dead-end jobs and navigating the awkward morning-after when she discovers the complications of accidentally sleeping with a movie star.

It is the latest British partnership for HBO Max, which recently picked up the streaming rights to a raft of BBC series including Doctor Who,...

HBO Max and BBC Three are partnering on a comedy series that hails from comedian Rose Matfeo.

“Starstruck,” the six episode comedy series, will follow twenty-something Rose (Matafeo), a millennial in London, juggling two dead-end jobs and navigating the awkward morning-after when she discovers the complications of accidentally sleeping with a movie star.

BBC Three will broadcast the series in the U.K., while HBO Max will be its streaming home in the U.S.

“The BBC have been so supportive of this project from the get-go and to be able to get this show in front of American audiences at the same time via HBO Max is truly exciting,” said Matafeo. “I’m thrilled we get to make it, otherwise it would’ve technically just been a creepy fan fiction script that I submitted to the national broadcaster. The team we’ve brought together for this series are absolute...

HBO Max is going across the pond for the newest addition to its lineup of original series.

The WarnerMedia streaming platform, which is due to launch in early 2020, has snagged U.S. rights to a comedy called Starstruck from comedian Rose Matafeo and Avalon Television. The Edinburgh Comedy Festival winner is writing and starring in the six-episode series as a young woman in London who works two dead-end jobs and has to navigate the awkward morning after when she discovers the complications of accidentally sleeping with a movie star.

The series will also air in the U.K. on BBC ...

Actress Sunny Leone who has immense fan following on social media platforms has said she does not get bothered by the trolls.

The actress said this on Monday while interacting with the media during the launch of her own lingerie brand 'Infamous' at the India Licensing Expo 2019 here.

Also Read:?Check Sunny Leone as a "Mermaid" in "Jhootha Kahin Ka" latest teaser

Asked whether she feels bad when people troll her due to her dressing sense, Sunny Leone said: "I feel being a celebrity, we get trolled every day but I don't necessarily get bothered by trolls. I wear clothes of my own choice. When I feel like wearing T-shirt and jeans or a sweatshirt, I wear it so, I wear what makes feel good at that moment."

Talking about her upcoming film projects, Sunny Leone said: "I am part of Arjun Patiala?and also doing a film called Coca Cola?...

Gunpowder & Sky has partnered with Zelda Williams to develop her short film Shrimp, which premiered this year at the Tribeca TV Festival, into a weekly half-hour series.

Written, directed, produced by and starring Williams, who is Robin Williams’ daughter, the show will chronicle the lives of people who work and play in a Los Angeles bondage discipline sadism and masochism (BDSM) dens. The series will also star Conor Leslie (“The Man in the High Castle”), Paulina Singer (“Dead of Summer”), Frances Fisher (“The Edge of Night”), Jake Abel (“Supernatural”), Jacob Zachar (“Greek”), and Danielle Campbell (“StarStruck”).

“We were really drawn to ‘Shrimp’ because Zelda was able to take a generally taboo topic, turn it on its head and tap into the day-to-day happenings of the dominatrix community and tell their story in an authentic way,” said Van Toffler, CEO of Gunpowder & Sky. “At Gunpowder & Sky, we’re constantly looking...

Welcome to Rumorville! Here you can learn about casting news that’s about to break in Hollywood. These speculations might be only rumors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t follow the trail all the way to the audition room. “Dune” RemakeAs “Dune” prepares to join the long list of recent remakes and reboots, the feature is a step closer to casting its leads. Rebecca Ferguson is reportedly in talks to co-star in the film with Timothée Chalamet. Ferguson, who just reprised her role as Ilsa Faust in “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” would play Lady Jessica and Chalamet will play the lead, Paul Atreides. Denis Villeneuve will be directing from a script by Eric Roth, and while there has been no casting director made public yet, Villeneuve uses Francine Maisler as his casting director on all his features. “Starstruck” A cult classic is coming to the stage, thanks to the...

Chicago – Has anybody in show business had more “comebacks” than Cher… or if you added her many last names Cher Sarkisian La Piere Bono Allman? All of the triumphs and downturns are shoehorned into “The Cher Show,” now in Chicago in a pre-Broadway run through July 15, 2018. Click here for more details, including ticket information.

Play Rating: 3.5/5.0

The huge entertainment in the show is provided by the three women portraying Cher in different life eras… Babe (Micaela Diamond), Lady (Teal Wicks) and Star (Stephanie J. Block). All have transcendent talent, because they transcend the fragmented and overstuffed story with their singing, dancing and performance chops. In what must be a whirlwind of a show for the three, they interact throughout and ponder Cher like the ghosts of “A Christmas Carol,” but with much more show biz and sex appeal.

My 3 Chers: Lady (Teal Wicks), Star (Stephanie J. Block) and Babe (Micaela...

Chicago – Ethan Hawke has made 2018 his year, and on June 7th the Gene Siskel Film Center of Chicago recognized his recent artistic achievements and his career by honoring him with their annual Renaissance Award. The event included a Red Carpet walk, and an on-stage talk with his friend, actor Vincent D’Onofrio.

Ethan Hawke got high praise for his performance in writer/director Paul Schrader’s “First Reformed,” which was released in May. He portrays the minister of a Christian church that is losing its congregation, except for a young married couple who seeks his counsel. Hawke is also behind the camera as director for “Blaze,” a biography of country singer Blaze Foley, set for release in July.

Ethan Hawke, Gene Siskel Film Center Renaissance Award Recipient, June 7, 2018

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck photo for HollywoodChicago.com

Hawke was born in Texas, but eventually relocated to New Jersey as a child.

Chicago – Cherilyn Sarkisian… yes, that is her birth name… is the redoubtable Cher, and it’s perfect timing for her to have a jukebox musical tribute. “The Cher Show,” covering three eras/songs of the six-decade career of Cher, opens for a Chicago preview before its Broadway run, from June 12th through July 25th, 2018.

The show will take place at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago’s Loop. For more information, including tickets, click here.

Teal Wicks, Stephanie J. Block and Micaela Diamond of “The Cher Show”

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck photo for HollywoodChicago.com

Cher will be portrayed by three women at various stages of her life… Stephanie J. Block, Teal Wicks and Micaela Diamond (recently featured in the ensemble of NBC-tv’s live Easter Sunday “Jesus Christ Superstar”), and will follow the singer through her two husbands, Sonny Bono (Jarrod Spector) and Gregg Allman (Matthew Hydzik), the music,...

The long-awaited Shondaland crossover promises more drama than you can… handle. (Sorry.)

As seen in the final moments of the most recent of How to Get Away With Murder, Annalise Keating is turning to Scandal‘s Olivia Pope for help with her class-action lawsuit, giving birth to an uneasy partnership in Thursday’s two-hour event (ABC, 9/8c).

“They both end up needing each other in surprising ways,” Murder boss Pete Nowalk tells TVLine. “As much as both of them would like to believe they’re in complete control of their lives, and of each other, they’ll have to depend...

The Film Society of Lincoln Center is set to showcase new Australian content in New York next month with the first-ever Australian International Screen Forum.

The event will feature the New York premiere of Simon Baker's directorial debut Breath, the North American premiere of Jennifer Peedom's Willem Dafoe-narrated documentary Mountain and the New York premiere of Warwick Thornton's Sweet Country, starring Bryan Brown, Sam Neill, Hamilton Morris and Matt Day.

The forum also will include a 30th anniversary screening of Steve Jodrell’s Shame, starring Deborra-lee Furness, and the newly restored version of Gillian Armstrong’s 1982 comedy musical Starstruck. Armstrong also...

In this edition of Star Wars Bits: Rian Johnson gets starstruck The Chinese title for Solo leaves out some key words Marvel directors reveal their feelings on Star Wars: The Last Jedi Peter Dinklage wants to be in Star Wars An exciting job opportunity at Lucasfilm And much more!. First up, here’s some very cool art by Adam Schickling, […]

The post Star Wars Bits: The Chinese Title for ‘Solo,’ Poe Dameron Becomes a Meme, and Rian Johnson Gets Starstruck appeared first on /Film.

Simon Cowell has whittled down his pick for a new host on "America's Got Talent" to just 3 guys -- one of whom is Marlon Wayans ... TMZ has learned. Production sources tell us 'Agt' brass is zeroing on Wayans and 2 other comedians to replace Nick Cannon. The other guys are Tone Bell and Brandon Mychal Smith. Wayans is obviously the big name here ... but we're told the 2 others have just as much of a chance to...

Ready to close out your Monday work day with some casting news for an upcoming new TV show on The CW? If you're a fan of "The Originals," then you'll want to read on for the info.

Per TV Guide, "Pretty Little Liars" actor Steven Krueger will appear in three episodes of "The Originals" as Josh, a young tourist whose night out in New Orleans takes an unexpectedly dark turn when he ends up at Marcel's bar.

The CW will be pairing "The Originals" with "Supernatural" on Tuesday nights, 8Pm and 9Pm, respectively, beginning October 8th; but first "The Originals" will debut on Thursday, October 3rd, immediately following the Season 5 premiere of its sister show "The Vampire Diaries," from which it was spawned.

Series Synopsis:

Family is power. The Original Vampire family swore it to each other a thousand years ago. They pledged to remain together, always and forever. Now,...

Now that The CW has announced its fall premiere schedule, the network has also released new promos for upcoming shows "The Originals" and "The Tomorrow People." They aren't much different from what we've already seen, but being completists, we have them both for you here.

Look for "The Tomorrow People" to premiere on Wednesday, October 9th (along with "Arrow"), with "The Originals" making its bow on Tuesday, October 15th (paired with "Supernatural").

"The Tomorrow People" Synopsis:

They are the next evolutionary leap of mankind, a generation of humans born with paranormal abilities — the Tomorrow People. Stephen Jameson stands at the crossroads between the world we know and the shifting world of the future. Up until a year ago, Stephen was a “normal” teenager — until he began hearing voices and teleporting in his sleep, never knowing where he might wake up. Now, Stephen’s issues have gone far beyond the usual teenage angst,...

Apparently that extended promo The CW released yesterday for its new series "The Originals" just wasn't enough as they've now provided us with a preview entitled "Jealousy."

Whether or not Episode 1.01 of "The Originals" will be called "Jealousy" isn't clear - but as soon as we get an announcement about the show's premiere date, the ep's title probably won't be too far behind so stay tuned!

Series Synopsis:

Family is power. The Original Vampire family swore it to each other a thousand years ago. They pledged to remain together, always and forever. Now, centuries have passed, and the bonds of family are broken. Time, tragedy and hunger for power have torn the Original Family apart. When Klaus Mikaelson, the original vampire-werewolf hybrid, receives a mysterious tip that a plot is brewing against him in the supernatural melting pot that is the French Quarter of New Orleans, he returns to the city his family helped build.

Now that the spring TV Upfronts are over, we can catch our breath and start doling out some of the goods that the networks provided during the week. First up are a few new images from The CW's "The Originals."

Series Synopsis:

Family is power. The Original Vampire family swore it to each other a thousand years ago. They pledged to remain together, always and forever. Now, centuries have passed, and the bonds of family are broken. Time, tragedy and hunger for power have torn the Original Family apart. When Klaus Mikaelson, the original vampire-werewolf hybrid, receives a mysterious tip that a plot is brewing against him in the supernatural melting pot that is the French Quarter of New Orleans, he returns to the city his family helped build. Klaus’ questions lead him to a reunion with his diabolical former protégé, Marcel, a charismatic vampire who has total control over...

The CW has long been one of the best supporters of Our Kind of Shows, and at this year’s Upfronts they put even more money where our hearts are. Of the six new shows announced for the fall and winter schedule, four are for us: The Originals, The Tomorrow People, The 100, and Star-Crossed. Now of course more than one has that trademark The CW soap opera-ish spin on it, but hey, not Every show is for every one of us.

Here to assist in our prejudging are synopses for all, via Deadline, and maybe even better, clips and/or TV spots. There’s not really anything new for The Originals, but fans will want to see it all again anyway. The Tomorrow People features the wonderful Mark Pellegrino so it’s my favorite of the four.

The 100 (pronounced “the hundred”, not “the one hundred”) has an encouraging clip,...

The CW announced its fall 2013-14 slate earlier today, adding five new dramas including a drama about Mary, Queen of Scots called Reign, as well as the highly anticipated Vampire Diaries spinoff titled The Originals, and The Tomorrow People, starring Robbie Amell, brother of Arrow’s Stephen Amell. The network has also released trailers which you can watch below. Let us know which shows you are interested in watching.

The Originals – Family is power. The Original Vampire family swore it to each other a thousand years ago. They pledged to remain together, always and forever. Now, centuries have passed and the bonds of family are broken. Time, tragedy and hunger for power have torn the Original Family apart. When Klaus Mikaelson, the original vampire-werewolf hybrid, receives a mysterious tip that a plot is brewing against him in the supernatural melting pot that is the French Quarter of New Orleans, he...

The CW presented its 2013-14 broadcast schedule today, and we have all the details of who's paired with whom and on which nights we'll be able to see our favorites as well as some clips and previews.

Excerpts from the Press Release:

“We had a terrific season last year, growing our audience on-air, digitally, and socially. Now we are building on that success by continuing to add more original programming all year long and by adding high-concept, exciting shows to our schedule that will help us continue our mission of broadening out our 18-to-34-year old audience,” said Mark Pedowitz, President, The CW. “‘Arrow’ was one of the breakout hits of this season, and we’re using that show and ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ our two highest-rated series, to launch our new dramas ‘The Tomorrow People’ and ‘Reign,’ on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah, the original family of vampires,...

Chicago – The CW is shaking things up this Fall, perhaps recognizing that their audience doesn’t care as much what night of the week their shows are on as they’re getting increasingly likely to DVR, download, or stream them. 40% of the net’s line-up is switching nights, moving around three new shows in the mid-section of the week.

“Nikita“‘s final season is being held to mid-season.

Full schedule below, followed by new show descriptions.

*-new show

Monday

7pm “Hart of Dixie”

8pm “Beauty & the Beast”

Tuesday

7pm “The Originals”*

8pm “Supernatural”

Wednesday

7pm “Arrow”

8pm “The Tomorrow People”*

Thursday

7pm “The Vampire Diaries”

8pm “Reign”*

Friday

7pm “The Carrie Diaries”

8pm “America’s Next Top Model”

New Show Descriptions

“The Originals”

The Originals

Photo credit: The CW

Family is power. The Original Vampire family swore it to each other a thousand years ago. They pledged to remain together,...

Brandon Mychal Smith is no stranger to the industry. The 22-year-old Disney star and college graduate is best known for playing Nico on So Random! (formerly Sonny with a Chance), but considers himself an entrepreneur of the arts as an actor, singer, rapper, comedian and more. He's had guest stints on Bones, Without a Trace and That's So Raven, as well as a supporting role in Gridiron Gang and a starring role in the Disney Channel Original Movie, Starstruck. He also appeared as a castmember on ABC's Skating with the Stars. Now on the Disney Channel sketch-comedy series, he gets to flex all his talents on one stage.

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The new cast of Dancing with the Stars answer a few questions from the audience:

Full Dwts Cast list and Dancing with the Stars schedule below:

The 11 celebrities heading to the dance floor this season, as announced tonight by “Dancing with the Stars” hosts Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke in a live press conference during “The Bachelor,” are as follows:

Kirstie Alley – Kirstie Alley has emerged as one of the great actresses of her generation, proving time and again that she is capable of great depth and range, as well as possessing comedic timing second to none. Kirstie’s work in television has earned her seven Golden Globe and eight Emmy nominations, winning one Golden Globe, two Emmys and three People’s Choice Awards. She co-wrote and starred in Showtime’s critically acclaimed comedy “Fat Actress,” and played the title character, as well as serving as executive producer, on the NBC sitcom “Veronica’s Closet.

Ladies and gentlemen, your "Dancing With the Stars" Season 12 cast. Or at least part of it.

ABC announced the new dancers in two waves Monday night (Feb. 28) during "The Bachelor." Here's the first set of celebs who will test their ballroom skills come March 21:

Sugar Ray Leonard: The former boxing champ had a cameo as himself in "The Fighter."

Chelsea Kane: You may know her better as Chelsea Staub. She starred in "Jonas L.A." and the Disney Channel movies "Minutemen" and "Starstruck."

Romeo: Don't call him "Lil'." The singer and actor is the son of former "Dwts" contestant Master P.

Ralph Macchio: The original "Karate Kid." We really, really hope his partner figures out a way to work the crane pose into his choreography.

Petra Nemcova: The supermodel couldn't be at the announcement, because she was speaking at the United Nations Monday. That's a pretty good reason.

hollywoodnews.com: Directors Guild of America President Taylor Hackford today announced the DGA’s nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Television and Commercials for the year 2010.

‘Whether it’s a 30-second commercial or a multi-part miniseries, television directors are crucial to the success of any television project.’ said Hackford. ‘As the DGA celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, we salute the critical role of the director in TV and are proud to honor the tremendous range of excellence found in the projects nominated today. Congratulations to all of the nominees.’

The winners will be announced at the 63rd Annual DGA Awards Dinner on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland in Los Angeles.

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Movies For Television And Mini-series

The nominees for the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Mini-Series for 2010 are (in alphabetical order):

Mick Jackson

Temple Grandin

(HBO...

Annie's evil cousin arrives to steal everything in this new CW "90210" season 3 spoiler. According to Michael Ausiello at Movieline, Annie and Dixon's evil,female cousin is going to be arriving in Beverly Hills to steal everything Annie has,and she'll be played by Disney Channel starlet Abbie Cobb. Michael says that 90210 has cast Abbie Cobb to play the recurring role of Annie and Dixon's spotlight hungry cousin named Emily. The Emily character is described as a country bumpkin who plays innocent,but has stars in her eyes. Emily comes to town intent on stealing everything from Annie,including her acting parts and her ex-boyfriend Liam. Currently, there's no info on which episode she'll debut in,but she does sound interesting. Abbie Cobb's acting resume includes: guest spots on The Mentalist,CSI: Miami,Medium, Disney's Jonas show,and Starstruck.

Who needs dancing stars when you can have skating stars? Check out the list of celebrities that need to start practicing their triple Axel!

Because we can’t get enough of stars outside of their comfort zones, ABC has announced the cast and debut date of their new celebrity talent competition, Skating with the Stars. And just who are the lucky six stars to be partnered with professionals?

Bethenny Frankel: the reality star from The Real Housewives of New York City and most recently, Bethenny Getting Married?

Sean Young: beloved 80s actress most known for the films Blade Runner, Dune and No Way Out.

Vince Neil: lead singer of heavy metal band Mötley Crüe.

Jonny Moseley: an Olympic freestyle skier and member of the U.S. Ski Team.

Rebecca Budig: soap opera star best known for her role as Greenlee Smythe on All My Children.